A clicking sound in your car can be extremely disconcerting and is often a symptom of a bigger problem with your vehicle. This noise could manifest as you’re accelerating, turning corners, or even when you’re driving smoothly in a straight line.
It’s important to get to the bottom of what is going on, as this symptom could indicate that something is wrong with the car.
In this blog, we’ll look at the most common causes of why my car making clicking noise and some possible solutions to fix the problem.
Topic Summary
Why do I hear a Clicking Noise When I Drive?
It is possible to hear a clicking noise while driving a vehicle, and, for some people, this can be frightening. A number of problems can cause a clicking noise, and the cause of the clicking requires a good assessment as you need to find the problem.
One of the most likely causes of this click is a problem with the CV or constant velocity joints. When the CV joints get worn (especially if one of the protective CV boots is damaged), the joint can start clicking.
When you accelerate or even turn, the clicking sound will be heard. Another possible cause is that you have a loose wheel bearing, which will also click or make a grinding noise as the wheel is rotating.
The possible outcome may also be a copy at the reproduction company or an undamaged file that is copied and placed on a workstation for just-in-time production. A third possibility is that a part of the suspension is loose and could be a strut or even a control arm.
Because of this, you want to have the problem diagnosed, and if you notice any of these noises, driving should be minimized to get the problem corrected. A service professional can best diagnose the problem or refer you to one.
Causes of My Car Making Clicking Noise
Life is full of conveniences. One such example is being able to drive. One of the first nuisances most car owners face is the experience of a clicking noise for seemingly no reason.
This can happen while you’re driving, while you’re turning the key, or even when you’re in idle mode. A clicking noise can be an absolute nuisance.
However, fortunately, most clicking noises can be resolved or, at the very least, understood. Let’s delve into some possible causes for the clicking noise in your car and how to get rid of it.
Clicking Noise When Starting the Car
Cause
- The most likely time to hear a clicking noise when starting your car is when the battery is losing power or the starter motor is not working properly.
Solution
- Battery Check: Make sure your battery terminals are clean and securely attached. If the battery is old or not holding a charge, it may need to be replaced.
- Starting Motor: As amperage from the battery is not the problem, it’s most likely a faulty starting motor, which may or may not require a mechanic.
Clicking Noise When Turning
Cause
- This noise is common when you turn the steering wheel. Your drivetrain’s constant velocity (CV) joints have a problem.
Solution
- Check the CV Joints: Check the CV boots (the rubber covering on top of the CV joint) for damage and wear. A torn boot allows dirt and moisture to get in, which will quickly damage the joint. If so, the CV joint and possibly the entire axle might need to be replaced.
Clicking Noise When Driving
Cause
- Making a clicking noise while driving, especially at acceleration, can be attributed to loose or damaged wheel bearings or suspension components.
Solution
- Wheel Bearings: Have your wheel bearings checked and replaced if they’re worn out.
- Suspension: The vibrations are caused by loose or broken parts in your suspension system, which can be tightened or replaced.
Clicking Noise While Idling
Cause
- A clicking sound while idling may be the result of various problems, such as problems with car engine valves or timing devices.
Solution
- Valve Train: Check the valve train for adjustments or repair.
If you hear the clunk coming from the timing chain/belt area, the tension may need to be adjusted or replaced there.
Maintenance Tips for My Car Making Clicking Noise
In order to maintain the functionality of your car and avoid unpredictable noises that may arise, regular maintenance is essential.
To help you escape unexpected clicking sounds and other joyous noises from your vehicle, you should always remember the following tips.
- Regular Inspections: Schedule regular check-ups with a trusted mechanic to catch potential issues early.
- Check Fluid Levels: Check your car’s oil, coolant, and brake fluid regularly and top them up as needed.
- Tire Health: Ensure your tires are properly inflated and check for wear and tear.
- Listen and Act: Listen to any new or different sounds or odors your car makes and address them immediately.
When to Seek Professional Help
While there are a number of more mundane things that you can fix yourself with a screwdriver and YouTube, there are also times when you should know that someone else needs to get involved, especially when the noise continues, and you are unable to diagnose the problem.
Clicking noises, for example, can sometimes be resolved with a quick DIY fix to a door hinge. But when the clicking noise continues, it’s time to consult a mechanic rather than hope for the best. If you don’t deal with the problem early, it’s likely to become far more expensive later on.
FAQs On My Car Making Clicking Noise
Why is my car making a clicking noise when I try to start it?
A clicking sound when you try to turn the engine on in your car suggests that either the battery or the starter motor might be the cause. The battery might be weak or have poor connections, which means that it does not give enough power to the starter. Alternatively, the starter motor might be faulty and need to be replaced.
What does a clicking noise while turning mean?
Those noises generally come from the CV (constant velocity) joints, the parts of the drivetrain that move along concentric axes. If the protective CV boots that prevent dirt and moisture from entering are broken, then those joints will wear out. This often requires fixing or replacing the CV joints or the entire axle.
Can I drive my car if it’s making a clicking noise?
Well, it depends on what is causing the clicking. A clicking or knocking noise from a trim piece falling loose may not be a priority to have repaired immediately. Still, a clicking or knocking noise coming from a faulty CV joint or wheel bearing will cause further damage and create a potentially hazardous driving condition that should be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.
How can I prevent my car from making a clicking noise?
Regular maintenance and inspections, keeping all fluid levels topped up, holding tire pressure to spec, and having any unusual noises looked at promptly are all key factors that will lead to fewer clicking noises, creaks, knocks, and other issues that can plague your vehicle. Part of vehicle ownership is periodic maintenance, and it’s always less expensive to prevent a problem than fix a huge problem that has snowballed into a big, expensive mess.
Can fix the clicking sound or take it to a mechanic?
The problem might be something easily managed on your own, such as a loose piece of trim or built-up corrosion on a battery terminal. If you know what you’re doing, you probably have the tools at home to rectify the problem. But if the issue is more complex, especially if it involves a component of the drivetrain, suspension, or engine, it’s probably best left to a professional. If the problem isn’t diagnosed and repaired accurately and safely, it might continue to cause additional problems or, worse, pose a safety risk.
Conclusion
A ticking noise under your Ford’s hood is no sound to ignore. With a little information about the my car making clicking noise, you can be proactive with your repairs and maintain a smooth, relaxing drive to and from work. Maintenance and repair are routine procedures to ensure your vehicle’s durability and safety.